Head Chef: Dual-Concept Cafe & Bistro Lead

The Salty Mangrove; New Brighton; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salty Mangrove in New Brighton, NSW, is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen. You will own the culinary program, drive menu development, ensure food safety, and balance creativity with financial outcomes.

Working with the General Manager and front-of-house, you will foster a collaborative, high-performing kitchen culture while maintaining exceptional hospitality across day and night service. This role demands strong organization, cost control, and mentoring of junior staff.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, dynamic kitchen.
• Strong track record in managing food costs, labor budgets, and inventory systems.
• Current Food Safety Supervisor certification and up-to-date health, safety and hygiene knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example with calm, professional leadership fostering collaboration and staff development.
• Oversee kitchen recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to ensure seamless service and clear communication.
• Create and execute creative, seasonally driven menus for cafe by day and bistro by night.
• Develop recipe cards, plating guides, and batching specs for consistency and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and maintain clean, safe kitchen operations.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Team leadership

Food cost management

High-volume kitchen

Education

Food Safety Supervisor certification

Job description

The Salty Mangrove in New Brighton, NSW, is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen. You will own the culinary program, drive menu development, ensure food safety, and balance creativity with financial outcomes.

Working with the General Manager and front-of-house, you will foster a collaborative, high-performing kitchen culture while maintaining exceptional hospitality across day and night service. This role demands strong organization, cost control, and mentoring of junior staff.